As a health psychologist, I have skills in assessing and treating psychological factors that may impact a family's ability to cope with or manage a child or young adult's illness. I have worked with a variety of families and patients with different medical conditions, including those with cancer, blood disorders, organ transplants, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and many others. I have worked with families on adjusting to a new diagnosis, adjusting to life after prolonged hospitalizations and treatment, coping with pain (both chronic and acute), fear related to medical procedures, help swallowing pills, managing medications and medication adherence, sleep problems, school problems related to their illness, and other psychological factors that can be impacted by having an illness.
I also have skills in general psychology, such as treating anxiety, depression, behavior problems, anger, or other emotional difficulties using evidence-based treatments (i.e., treatments that research has shown to be effective). My primary orientation is cognitive-behavioral, which means I believe that our emotional well-being is influenced by the way we think and how we behave. My treatment focus is individualized based upon the needs, culture, and preferences of the patient. In most cases, my treatment approach is skill-based, which means I believe in teaching strategies in therapy that the individual or family can use outside of the therapy setting to make changes in their life. I am trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness/relaxation skills, exposure and response prevention, biofeedback, and other evidence-based treatments.
I am not currently seeing patients for treatment, but maintain a license as a psychologist in the state of Georgia.